Sinn Fein opposes Veronica Guerin memorial

A CAMPAIGN to name a Dublin flyover in honour of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin looks set to be defeated after being met with strong opposition by Sinn Fein, the Herald has learned.

Sinn Fein representatives on South Dublin County Council have objected to the proposal, with one councillor warning the move would "create a hierarchy of victims" of gangland crime.

There had been hopes that the new flyover at Newlands Cross would be named after the murdered mother-of-one in time for her 20-year anniversary on June 26 next year.

Family

The proposal to honour Ms Guerin (inset), a Sunday Independent journalist, was tabled by Labour TD for Dublin Mid-West Robert Dowds, after he secured the permission of her family.

But it's emerged that the proposal by the Labour Party politician is being strongly opposed by Sinn Fein, the largest political grouping on South Dublin County Council.

Speaking to the Herald, Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Graham said naming the crossover in honour of Ms Guerin would be "inappropriate".

"This has got nothing to do with Veronica as a person or a journalist," Mr Graham said last night.

"But we should not be creating a hierarchy of victims," he added.

"There are a number of other families who have been affected by criminality in this area. If you take the criminal John Gilligan - many people have been affected by his actions. However, we can't name every street and footpath after that," he said.

South Dublin County Council said that the issue of naming the flyover after Ms Guerin would be discussed at a council meeting next week. The matter is due to go out for public consultation.

Sinn Fein is the largest party on the council and its opposition is likely to cause the proposal to fall.